My husband Chris & I had a great dinner at the Starlight in Sebastopol this past weekend.  Owners Ted & Heather Van Doorn (pictured) have been big supporters of Lutea since my first 2004 vintage.  Chef Thaddeus Palmese’s cajun inspired cuisine makes this Southern girl very happy!  Add to it: a great setting with a cool vibe and the fact that the three of them are some of the nicest people you’ll come across, it makes for a great evening!

We took our seats in the packed restaurant, which is a remodeled Pullman train car.  Our meal started with 2 glasses of bubbles.  I had the Gruet from New Mexico.   It has been one of our favorites for years, so much so, we poured it at our wedding!  We also enjoyed a lovely Prosecco.  For an appetizer we chose the blue crab cake.  I like the local Dungeness crab, but it does not compare to the sweet and delicate blue crab.  The cake was loaded with crab, had a crisp Panko crust and was served over an apple slaw.  It was divine!

For dinner I chose grilled Monterey Bay sardines over greens with a poached egg, shaved Parmesan and a tangy lemon vinagrette.   It was great with the Gruet bubbles.  Chris had the gumbo, which was classic with shrimp, chicken and spicy sausage in a delicious saucy dark roux.  He paired it with the “Starlight” flight of pinot noir, which of course included Lutea!  All of the wines were great, balanced, food friendly and local- what’s not to like?

For dessert, an individual apple pie with cinnamon ice cream- all made in house, of course.  It was as good as it sounds, with a very flaky and flavorful crust- which is not easy as anyone who makes pie crust knows.  Two cups of excellent coffee ensured we made it home!

Thanks to Ted, Heather & Thaddeus for a great evening!  If you haven’t already, you must go enjoy a great meal at the Starlight!

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